Lockbody Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 I've been lusting after one of the new Gibson SG Special 60s Tributes, but I realize the similar Hamer Special would be a LOT nicer guitar than the "faded" Gibson, and cheaper, too. So, how does the Hamer Special compare to a Gibson P-90 guitar? I know I won't get it out of the stock Duncans, but will I get Live at Leeds out of the Hamer with a pickup swap? Mountain? Is the Hamer more LP Special or SG Special (whatever that means )? One more thing, if a Hamer fan wanted a two P-90 Special with a wraparound-tailpiece, does one exist? What about a sustain block Special with P-90s?
atquinn Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 ...One more thing, if a Hamer fan wanted a two P-90 Special with a wraparound-tailpiece, does one exist?... There aren't many mahogany Special with the wraparound, only a few I think; here's one I owned twice: All the Korina ones have wraparounds and of course, you could order whatever you want new. - Austin
murkat Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 An SG with P90's is what it is, a sum of all parts like any other guitar.You are going to get "that sound" or pretty close to it.Thou Hamer took a gibby type to the next level, also a little bitwas, is lost in translation to obtain "that sound".You would be close with a Hamer, closer than most others, but in the end,A gibson (SG) is what it isA hamer is what it isIn Austin's pic, that be really close...
Lockbody Posted June 26, 2011 Author Posted June 26, 2011 ...One more thing, if a Hamer fan wanted a two P-90 Special with a wraparound-tailpiece, does one exist?... There aren't many mahogany Special with the wraparound, only a few I think; here's one I owned twice: All the Korina ones have wraparounds and of course, you could order whatever you want new. - Austin I completely forgot about that one. I guess it would be more correct to ask "do many exist?". Thou Hamer took a gibby type to the next level, also a little bit was, is lost in translation to obtain "that sound". Are you saying Hamer misses the boat in the sound or image dept, or is that not what you're saying?
murkat Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 " Are you saying Hamer misses the boat in the sound or image dept, or is that not what you're saying? " Nope, me not saying it be more closer to a more "modern tone". In comparison, A four digit standard, even if you change pickups, Has "that sound" of its own. (and a real good one at that) compared to the now made standard, to me, is a more modern tone. still a standard, but, not the tone of a four digit.
Lockbody Posted June 26, 2011 Author Posted June 26, 2011 it be more closer to a more "modern tone".This is what I was looking for, I just didn't ask the question correctly.How many threads have we seen where someone has bought a Studio and wondered why it doesn't sound more like a Les Paul? I didn't want to get one and be disappointed when it didn't sound like I "expected" it to.
crunchee Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 How many threads have we seen where someone has bought a Studio and wondered why it doesn't sound more like a Les Paul? I didn't want to get one and be disappointed when it didn't sound like I "expected" it to. +1! That's why I put these details on this poll: http://www.hamerfanclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=49477 There's a lot more to a specific model/maker, or even a individual guitar than just eye candy. (Duh!)
tbonesullivan Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 I think BCR has a special for sale. can't remember if it's a sustain block or not. I've never really noticed much difference between the wrap tail sound and the TOM and Stop bar sound.Either way you are getting a MUCH BETTER guitar for your money with the Hamer. I've got two p-90 specials, and they both put Gibson to shame in every day. One I have Fralin P-90s in. It'll get you that Live at Leeds sound. You just need the right amp.
cynic Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 Is the Hamer more LP Special or SG Special (whatever that means )? The Hamer Special is very close to the LP DC Special in construction, so the difference between the Hamer and the SG should be about the same as the difference between the LP Special and the SG. Of course, this is assuming quality is equal across the board. I'm the current owner of the Special posted above by Austin. I also own a recent 50's Tribute P-90 LP Studio. I'd suspect the quality of the SG tribute would be comparable to the LP tribute. Simply from a build and quality standpoint I'd steer clear of the Gibson. I've played maybe 7-8 of the LP tributes with bodies ranging from 2-5 pieces of 'meh'ogany slapped together, and they were all pretty lifeless. Have you ever heard the expression "It'll make a turd" to describe a meal that was edible but not much else? That's the LP Tribute in a nutshell.
murkat Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 Henry is in debt comparable to the national.he is probably scraping by on scrap woods in the usa plant.I can only imagine what the/ kind of one piece billets there trying to usein the Custom div....Hamer has always used choice hardwoods from what I have seen.
BlueRedWhite Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 I haven't tried a SG or a LP, but i have a slab of mahogany with two P-90s (Hamer Special 96)And all my friends that have played LPs and SGs are in love with the sound of the Special.P-90s in mine are stock.Is my favourite baby...In terms of quality and finishing, correct me if i'm wrong, but production guitars from Hamer are not bad at all.I'm sure SGs from earlier times and LPs are awesome.I just love what i got for way less than a SG or LP...
Steve Haynie Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 An SG has a slightly thinner body than a Special, and that will affect the overall tone. Get one of each.
gi_zuk Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 I have an SG 60's tribute and I must say that it is fine guitar for the price. Mine is in the natural finish.I'm sure that you cannot purchase a new Hamer for $800. It seems that their pricing has gone out the roof.
BlueRedWhite Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 You cannot purchase a new hamer special with p-90s because they are not in production anymoreYou can purchase a hamer Special with P-90s for 650-800 $
gi_zuk Posted June 27, 2011 Posted June 27, 2011 I'm sure the Hamer Shop would build you one, but it would be $2500-$3000. Then the resale is nowhere near as good as the Gibson CS version.
burningyen Posted June 28, 2011 Posted June 28, 2011 I completely forgot about that one. I guess it would be more correct to ask "do many exist?". No, but here's one I owned for a year.
Lockbody Posted June 28, 2011 Author Posted June 28, 2011 I completely forgot about that one. I guess it would be more correct to ask "do many exist?". No, but here's one I owned for a year. Geez, those are some sweet gits! What was the neck like on it? Vintage carve?
burningyen Posted June 28, 2011 Posted June 28, 2011 It was pretty big, not quite as big as my old BCR Jr., but close. It probably is their current Vintage carve.
ib2010 Posted June 28, 2011 Posted June 28, 2011 I had a nice gibson reissue (61 ??) for a while. I liked it, but something about it wasn't talking to me rite. The feel was a little off around the neck joint, and the pick upss were hard to get balanced volume wise. I traded it. 3 years later i snagged a Hamer korina special 2005 ish, and it was a done deal. everything was and remains, PERFECT--- and it talks exactly like a "special" should. If you're gonna go gibson, make sure you get your hands on "it" to ensure that "its" the exact one for you.
mirrorimij Posted June 28, 2011 Posted June 28, 2011 You cannot purchase a new hamer special with p-90s because they are not in production anymoreI am not so certain about that. It is no longer in the catalog but I would bet they will build it.It won't be cheap.
murkat Posted June 28, 2011 Posted June 28, 2011 If you're gonna go gibson, make sure you get your hands on "it" to ensure that "its" the exact one for you. Also to add, see if can adjust it to flavor on the spot, better yet, a return policy in your favor if you do not care for. Just because it is a Gibson, does not mean it is going to meet your expectations...
Lockbody Posted June 28, 2011 Author Posted June 28, 2011 Just because it is a Gibson, does not mean it is going to meet your expectations... No doubt. Typical Gibson selection in a store: Nope Nope Nope Ehhh Nope Nope HEY!
gorch Posted June 29, 2011 Posted June 29, 2011 Just because it is a Gibson, does not mean it is going to meet your expectations... No doubt. Typical Gibson selection in a store: Nope Nope Nope Ehhh Nope Nope HEY! Typical Hamer selection in comparison: Aahhh Yeeaahh Woouw Huuhhh Well done Huuzzaaaahhhh I wish
Brooks Posted June 29, 2011 Posted June 29, 2011 Just because it is a Gibson, does not mean it is going to meet your expectations... No doubt. Typical Gibson selection in a store: Nope Nope Nope Ehhh Nope Nope HEY! no doubt!! i read this long piece from a guy who worked music retail for a long time r/e LP's; he said the good ones don't ever make it to the sales floor; because LP's are so hit & miss, when a good one comes in to a store, the employees grab it for themselves. i'm not saying all gibsons suck, i'm saying you have to play 9 or 10 to find a keeper (this is not news to most of us here). i have bought & sold ~20 hamers in the last ~10 years, almost all unseen (well, unplayed) over the internet; not ONE was a dog, all were good to great quality. don't try that w/ most brands.
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